Summary of Maui’s Reopening for Tourists
- Maui will welcome visitors again starting November 1 after the wildfires.
- The western part of the island will be open, excluding Lāhainā.
- Local officials emphasize the importance of supporting the Maui economy.
All of West Maui will officially welcome visitors again starting Nov. 1 following the devastating wildfires that swept the island destination in August. This reopening marks the first time since the fires that all of the western side of the island, except for the burned-out section of Lāhainā, will be accessible for tourism.
“Maui Mayor Richard Bissen announced that the rest of West Maui north of Lahaina, comprising Phases 2 and 3 from Kahana to Kā‘anapali, will begin reopening on Wednesday, November 1,” a media release from Bissen’s office disclosed on Monday.
Lāhainā, which was significantly affected by the wildfires, remains closed to visitors until further notice as a sign of respect for the town’s residents.
“The Red Cross has assured me that housing for displaced Lāhainā residents, including those in hotels, is not in jeopardy,” Bissen stated in the release. “Additionally, the County has secured commitments from various partners to develop childcare programs for displaced families. Ensuring shelters for nearly 7,000 survivors remains a critical focus, and their needs are our priority.”
The reopening combines the final two phases and will have no negative effects on housing for displaced wildfire survivors, according to Bissen.
This announcement follows Hawaii Governor Josh Green’s signing of an emergency proclamation that lifted the travel ban to the area starting Oct. 8. Bissen adapted Green’s plan to initiate a phased reopening, which began with phase one on October 8, allowing access from Ritz-Carlton to Kahana Villa.
Although this announcement indicates a return to normal tourism, the Hawai’i Tourism Authority advises travelers to “check with individual accommodations, activities, and businesses in West Maui for their availability and hours of operation.”
Local business owners have expressed relief at this full reopening, as they depend significantly on tourism revenue.
According to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization, Maui experienced losses of over $13 million in visitor spending each day, and Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism states that air arrivals to Maui were less than half compared to August 2022. “One of the best ways guests can assist Maui is to return and support local businesses,” Wendy Tuivaioge, Director of Hawaiian Programs at Four Seasons Maui, shared in a video from the Maui Visitors Bureau.
“We welcome them with open arms and encourage them to come back and visit Maui,” Tuivaioge conveyed.
